Why we help

Immigration detainees and Asylum seekers are amongst the most marginalised people within our society and without citizenship rights they face difficulty in accessing those services that others take for granted.

Asylum seekers and immigration detainees are often profoundly affected by experiences in their home country where they may have faced violence, war and poverty on a daily basis. Many who flee have a long and dangerous journey ahead of them. The overwhelming majority of refugees flee across borders into a country neighbouring their own however some reach the UK and make a claim for asylum. They are met with restrictive policy on arrival and, for those who have experienced violence or torture in their home country, may feel punished for the second time. Our clients come from all over the world.

Immigration detainees may be detained for a number of reasons. Many are seeking asylum, some are undocumented and some may be detained after a prison sentence. The indefinite duration of detention and the uncertainty of an immigration case causes a great deal of anguish, frustration and despair.

Friends Without Borders looks to the needs of an individual, a human being, who may face discrimination by other members of British society. Friends Without Borders are not able to influence an immigration case however we aim to ensure that those fellow human beings, with or without British citizenship, are shown respect and kindness during their time in the UK. When many services are unable to give support, FWB strives to find solutions that meet the needs and bring comfort to those facing extreme adversity.